Mmmm...Matsuri Food

Posted on May 25, 2007 by Ulara Nakagawa

It seems as if every person in Tokyo (and their camera) were present at the Sanja Matsuri (‘Matsuri’, is Japanese for festival) in Asakusa this past Sunday. This is one of the largest and rowdiest festivals in the country, and draws in yearly crowds of up to two million.

A powerful presence at a Japanese festival is without doubt, the food. One after the other, vendor booths line the festival streets sending out wafts of sizzling, smoky and sweet essences, tempting even the most stuffed-to-the-brim walker-bys. The selection is good, but limited to typical festival types. Like cotton candy at the fair and popcorn at the movies, there seems to be an inextricable connection between taste and atmosphere that carries through to Matsuris. Such event staples include gooey, saucy, hot and extremely popular Takoyaki, or Octopus balls. Made in unique grills with ‘golf-ball’ pockets, these doughy treats are best hooked with a toothpick, and popped into the mouth.

The particular Takoyaki I enjoyed were from the most popular octo-ball booth at the festival, and the product was well worth the ten minute wait. Each ball contained a chewy piece of octopus so large it stuck right out and was doused with the perfect amount of salty-sweet sauce and sprinkle of green seaweed.

Though I would have balked at the idea as a child, the grilled fish on a stick was something I had to try with my 500yen canned chu-hi. All edible, the crispy tail, tender middle, and slightly bitter head were a nice ‘adult’ bar snack and nutritious as a bonus.

For dessert, it was dango, little chewy balls made with mochi (sticky rice) flour. The particular dango I enjoyed were dipped into kinako, or toasted soy powder (a very comforting flavor with a tinge of sweetness). The dango’s appeal lies in the chew; a very satisfying texture that is neither soft nor tough.

Also popular are OkonomiyakiA delicious, pan-fried dish containing eggs, cabbage and various other ingredients. (Japanese style pizza, or savory pancake), yakisoba (fried noodles), character shaped candy, chocolate covered bananas. Each priced at roughly 300-500 yen, it is possible to have a completely satisfying experience for less than 2000yen, considering festival admission is free.

My Top Five Festival Foods:
5. Kakigouri (shaved ice drizzled with flavored syrup)
4. Okonomiyaki
3. Ayu (Fish on a stick)
2. Dango
1. Takoyaki